Tributes have been paid to the former Suffragan Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev George Hacker, following his death.

Bishop George served as Suffragan from 1979 to 1994 and in retirement went on to serve as Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Carlisle. He lived in the Appleby Deanery with his wife, June, and passed away yesterday aged 96.

The Acting Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, said: “We are all deeply saddened to learn of the death of Bishop George. He was much loved and respected, and we give thanks for his many years of faithful and dedicated service both here in Cumbria and to the wider church.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Bishop George’s friends and family at this time, particularly his wife, June and their children Philip and Erica. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Bishop George was born in 1928 and went on to study at Exeter College, Oxford, and completed ordination training at Cuddesdon College from 1952. He was ordained Deacon in 1954 and priested the following year.

He served his curacy at St Mary Redcliffe with Temple in Bristol before taking on the role of University/Polytechnic Chaplain at St Boniface College, Warminster. From 1964 he served as vicar at Bishopwearmouth in the Diocese of Durham, before – seven years later - being appointed Rector of St Michael’s in Tilehurst in the Diocese of Oxford.

He was consecrated Suffragan Bishop of Penrith in 1979, serving until his retirement in 1994 and was also made an Honorary Canon of Carlisle Cathedral. From 1987 to his retirement Bishop George was also Episcopal Adviser for the Anglican Young People's Association.

Bishop George and his wife lived in Milburn near Appleby.

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For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.